As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Guard - Armed in the United States is $47,516 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Security Guard - Armed's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Security Guard - Armed's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Security Guard - Armed's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Security Guard - Armed | $46,190 |
| Intermediate Level Security Guard - Armed | $46,411 |
| Senior Level Security Guard - Armed | $47,207 |
| Specialist Level Security Guard - Armed | $49,311 |
| Expert Level Security Guard - Armed | $50,244 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Security Guard - Armeds. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 26.84% |
| First Aid | 4.25% |
| CCTV | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$52,268 |
10%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$50,367 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$49,892 |
5%
|
|
Safety Training
|
$48,941 |
3%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$48,466 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$48,466 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Security Guard - Armeds enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Security Guard - Armed with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $45,730 and $48,921).
Security Guard - Armed Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 51.6% |
| Associates | 29.0% |
| Bachelors | 12.9% |
| Masters | 4.3% |
| Doctorate | 1.1% |
Understanding how a Security Guard - Armed's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Security Guard - Armed, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Security Guard Team Leader role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $59,314 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
Salaries for a Security Guard - Armed can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,135 in 2023 to around $41,321 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Security Guard - Armed salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,135 |
| 2024 | $42,294 |
| 2025 | $41,321 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Security Guard - Armed's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Security Guard - Armed earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Security Guard - Armed is $59,932.
The highest pay for Security Guard - Armed is $56,705.
The lowest pay for Security Guard - Armed is $41,859.
Provides security and guards buildings, grounds, materials, work sites, or other venues. Monitors security systems and responds to alarms, reports of issues, or requests for assistance. Patrols an assigned location. Follows required gate-keeping procedures such as verifying visitor credentials, conducting inspections, or preparing paperwork. May operate an access control or identity system to control building access. Completes shift activity logs and inputs to systems. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Basic Life Support (BLS). Typically requires Firearms Certification. Requires Security Guard License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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